Reflecting on Progress and Setting New Fitness Goals

As the year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on my health and looking ahead to the future. I don’t think I’ve shared this before, but since October 2024, I’ve lost about 45 pounds. I’ve maintained roughly the same weight since August 2025, fluctuating slightly but staying in the same range. The next step toward reaching my goal weight is adding exercise to my routine. I was riding the bike as recently as this past summer, but I fell out of the habit and haven’t been on it at all this fall.

My goal for 2026 is to make exercise a regular part of my week. I’m planning to start working out consistently, and I think going to the gym at work will help me stick to that goal. I’ve been losing weight thanks to Mounjaro, which I was prescribed in October 2024 after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Before that, I was on other medications following my diagnosis in 2023 and early 2024, but switching to Mounjaro has been life-changing. Since starting it, I no longer need a CPAP machine, and with the weight I’ve lost, I feel great.

Mounjaro has helped by curbing my appetite. I usually take my shot on Sunday evening, so on Monday, Tuesday, and often Wednesday, I eat very little. My doctor gradually increased my dosage after I started, and at one point we tried to go higher, but insurance denied the change, so I stayed at my current dose. Now, the next step is exercise, which will support further weight loss and overall health.

If I can get back into exercising, I know it will make a big difference. I want to incorporate weights into my routine and add cardio as well. I enjoy running, so the treadmill will likely be my go-to, along with weights and other gym activities to keep things interesting and challenging. As the weather improves, I’d like to start running outside again since I really enjoy it.

I’m curious to see how running feels after losing 45 pounds. I know it can be tough on the knees and joints, but I expect it will feel different, and I’m looking forward to finding out. I don’t have any plans to run races like I did years ago—my goal is simply to get back into running shape and build up to longer distances.

That’s my health update, as I haven’t shared one in a while. Until next time, have a great week and enjoy preparing for the holidays.

Finding My Rhythm: Setting and Achieving My 2025 Goals

We're a few days into 2025, and a winter storm is still gripping the state. While I'm curious to see how this plays out, it's not what I want to focus on today. Instead, let's talk about my personal goals for this year.

Oliver, our lazy dog, seems perfectly content to lounge around and demand belly rubs. But for me, 2025 is about prioritizing exercise, eating healthier, and finally shedding those extra pounds. My bike riding routine has been going strong – I've been consistently cycling for over a month now. In fact, I recently conquered my longest ride since getting back into it – a challenging 45-minute journey. I felt amazing afterward and am now thinking about increasing my cycling frequency to three times a week.

Physical activity isn't limited to cycling, though. Carrie and I have been talking about finally taking advantage of the gym at work, but somehow, we always seem to find excuses to put it off. My ideal fitness routine would involve three weekly bike rides and two weightlifting sessions. Getting back into cycling took a few months of consistent effort, so I anticipate a similar adjustment period for weight training.

Turning our attention to our home, it's high time we tackled some of that neglected maintenance. While we've fantasized about major renovations to the family room, kitchen, and master bathroom, we need to start with the basics. Those drafty, inoperable windows in the family room are a constant reminder of how much work needs to be done. But that's a long-term project. For now, I'm committed to creating a plan by mid-summer for our initial home improvement projects.

Regarding my reading goals, I've slightly adjusted my target from 25 to 20 books for 2025, acknowledging the challenges I faced last year. In 2024, most of my reading was squeezed into the few minutes before bed. This year, I'm determined to incorporate reading into my lunch break, evenings, and even during those early morning moments. I've maintained a daily reading habit for 1,114 days, and now I'm aiming to increase the number of pages I read each day. Having been off work for the past few days, I've already noticed a significant difference.

I know firsthand that staying consistent with exercise, reading, and home improvement is a constant battle. It's so easy to fall off the wagon – one missed workout, one late night that cuts into reading time, and suddenly, the momentum is gone. But I'm determined to make these changes stick and make 2025 a truly fulfilling year.

Until next time, have a great rest of the week. Stay safe, keep warm, and check in on your neighbors as this winter storm continues to impact the area.